[Spok]

When I was an under graduate, I had a business law professor who spent an entire class talking about “High Noon” and the lessons we should learn from it. Where are these kinds of professors now? (FYI- it was in the 70’s at the University of Utah.)

[LouAvul]

That movie was a protest against Hollywood's purging of communists. Gary Cooper symbolized the lone patriot fighting the forces of fascism.

Rio Bravo was made in response to High Noon. Rio Bravo symbolized three brave patriots fighting against communism.

[caddie]

Of course the movie is excellent, how it shows how few people can really be counted on to be brave in the face of overwhelming corruption and evil. How lonely and scared they are. How so many others head for the tall grass.

But once I was watching High Noon and hearing the haunting background music and it occurred to me.

In Blazing Saddles Mel Brooks borrows the recurrent minor scale musical theme of High Noon and alters it a bit, weaving it into various scenes in the saga of Rock Ridge.

Totally brilliant device, one of many. Hilarious.

Probably I am the last person to notice this, but that's OK, it was so funny when it dawned on me.

[alternatives?]

I think they are equating Gary Cooper with the role he played in a movie. It was just a movie.

[Bonemaker]

I'm more of a "Big Jake" kind of guy. No more screwing around...too old.

[Glad2bnuts]

I liked the movie, never saw Gary Cooper as much of an actor. His delivery was deadpan, and the same in every role. Many better actors and stars than him. He made Duke Wayne look like the best ever.